Thursday, 23 February 2012

Names can often be misleading. This is one of those times. For Glasgow's The Sea Kings, are not in fact kings of the sea. They're more fond of graveyards if truth be told. We won't hold any of this against them though, especially given the fact they've just released Some Dark Matters, one of my favourite EPs to come out in yonks. Now... with a name like theirs, you'd be forgiven for expecting to hear some kind of forlorn folk or at the very least, some accordion-led sea shanties.

But not this! This came as quite a refreshing surprise. What we have here, at times, reminds me a lot of Canadians (funnily enough!) Of Montreal, with their penchant for unusual stimuli, tongue-in-cheek delivery and squeeling guitar solos which tow the fine line between musical brilliance and the absurb! It shouldn't work with their folky roots, let alone be pulled off with such aplomb as it is throughout this impressive debut. Case in point is the fantastic EP opener Orphan, Martyr, Saint.

If you ask me for my highlight though, it'd have to be at the opposite end of the EP, final track Tooth And Nail. Any song with the lyrics "your mother and I, we had another child. He's buried in the yard... we held your brother down, until the cement filled his lungs" is bound to raise a few eyebrows. Throw in a pounding drumbeat, those siren-like guitars shimmering away in the background, some raw, powerful harmonies and what you get is something quite special indeed... albeit slightly worrying!

Worry not though. It turns out The Sea Kings play psychobilly - the portrayal of violence and other such taboo topics through comedic interpretation. Who knew eh?? I guess the EP title is meant to be taken literally! Anyway, here's what the guys had to say for themselves when I caught up with them...

Kowalskiy: So eh, what are you guys up to later on?? I mean... how would you describe 'your sound'?

The Sea Kings: Like a fire in a monastery in Seville, southern Spain, circa 1506.

Kowalskiy: PLUG AWAY!!

The Sea Kings: Our EP "Some Dark Matters" will be revered by musicologists and historians in 100 years as being a pivotal and inspirational game changer. Don't miss out on an opportunity to gloat, grandstand and crow about your early adoption to the cause. Some Dark Matters on sale now. Download via iTunes or for a physical copy, go here.

Kowalskiy: What can we expect from you in the future?

The Sea Kings: An as yet untitled album that covers things like the rise and fall of the Nazi's, alfresco infanticide, your Uncle's penchant for dirty knickers and medieval torture facilities to name but a few.

As I said... psychobilly! The Sea Kings' debut EP Some Dark Matters is out now via Iffy Folk Records and can be bought from them here, or you can download it from iTunes.